OH HB291

Requires attorneys to send defendants written notice at least 30 days before filing a confession of judgment petition, except when the confession is made in connection with settlement of a dispute.

Courts must notify defendants immediately upon entry of judgment and inform them of their right to request a hearing within 30 days to determine if they are in monetary default.

Hearings must be held within 7 days of request, and if the court determines the creditor has not proven monetary default, the judgment is vacated and defendant receives court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and actual damages.

Requires different warning language on debt instruments depending on whether the confession of judgment is connected to settlement of a dispute, with enhanced warnings for non-settlement contexts.

Prohibits confessions of judgment in consumer loans and consumer transactions; such cases must be commenced by ordinary civil complaint with notice served and a trial held within 60 days of any filed answer.